In Week 3 online courses started, of tree parts of this week I was most enlightened by Part 2. Coverage of two bar scenes from Gossip Girl (2007) and The Fire Within (1963). The former one is, as Robin described, shot-reverse-shot between two characters, shot type alternates between mid-shots and close-ups. I found this coverage get boring as it lasts over two minutes, it simply delivers the dialogue instead of bringing freshness or excitement to the audience. The coverage is more complex in The Fire Within, this clip contains multiple camera set ups, mostly consists of two shots and group shots to deliver dialogue and interactions between characters. Close-ups were used to show significant actions made by characters. It also challenged the 180 rule in the middle of the clip.

In my opinion, both coverage has done their basic jobs —— demonstrate the plot, deliver the dialogue. However, The Fire Within is better because its varied shot types provide more information to the audience. It depicts not only the two characters, but also the café they sit in, and also captures the expression and movements of people around them. Through this coverage, the director visualizes the whole environment to the audience, resulted in the film being more immersive and authentic.

I think there is a main factor that caused the huge difference between the two is the purpose. Gossip Girl is a teen-drama meant to be broadcasted on TV, and like other TV shows broadcasted on CW, artistic quality is never a big concern. The only goal is for the ‘drama’ (not as a genre) to attract audiences while The Fire Within is a drama film meant to be shown in cinema, and aimed for film festival awards.

A coverage does not only depends on the director, but also many other factors such as budget and distribution and final consumption. After watching the two clips I want to ask myself what kind of screen product I want to make. I prefer creative and sometimes artistic work, I want to do more than just ‘complete a scene’ but to exceed that. As Robin says in the end of Part 2, the best way to learn about filmmaking is by watching films, and investigate how the others achieved their coverage. One day after another it is going to be easier to tell what is a high quality coverage and one day I may adapt them to my own production.